Woody Plant Pest Scavenger Hunt

Join Charleston Trees and the experts from Davey Resource Group for an interactive, hands-on “Woody Plant Pest Scavenger Hunt” under the historic canopy of Hampton Park! Participants will walk the grounds to learn how to identify critical indicators of tree health, diagnostic field techniques, and common environmental pressures affecting Charleston’s urban forest. Working in small teams, field hunters will scout for key diagnostic targets across the park: Biotic Stressors: Active biological pressures impacting tree vigor. Abiotic Stressors: Non-living environmental impacts like heat, moisture extremes, or nutrient dynamics. Insect Pest Presence: Direct sightings or sign evidence (e.g., scale, borers, defoliation). Disease Pathogens: Signs of fungal or bacterial infection (e.g., cankers, leaf spots, decay). Cultural Conditions: Human-influenced management issues (e.g., deep planting, soil compaction, improper mulching, or pruning wounds). Whether you’re honing your diagnostic eye or learning urban tree care basics, this field walk will sharpen your ability to spot tree distress before minor issues become major hazards. RSVP HERE Thank you to our Sponsor!